M1.1 Two-channel Reference Power Amplifier

Building upon the advanced knowledge on power capacitor gathered during the developed of the A1.5 amplifier, the power section of the M1 has been improved so much that it led to the introduction of the M1.1 new reference power amplifier.

M1's original 100'000uF rectifying capacitors have been upgraded with two monstrous 120'000uF models based on the same technology as the A1.5's acclaimed capacitors. "One small step that has led to a giant leap in musical performance", according to reviewer Roy Gregory.

The M1's comfortable power specifications remain, with each watt being more refined than ever.

Of course, every M1 owner can contact their local dealer to get their amplifier upgraded to this next level of performances.

Modularity

The M1.1 power amplifier was developped with modularity in mind. It can be equipped with a single analog input board in case the M1.1 is used for a single channel. This modularity ensures the following operation modes:

Single channel mode

Passive bi-amplification mode

Active bi-amplification mode (requires a second Analog Input Board)

Bridge mode

Stereo mode (requires a second Analog Input Board)

Changing the M1.1 operating mode has been made easy and can be done on-the-fly from the front panel user interface. Only the available options are permitted depending on the hardware configuration.

Power Supply

The central power supply is taking most of the internal space inside the chassis. The huge 2'200VA transformer is mounted on silent-blocks to drastically reduce vibrations transmission into sensitive parts of the circuitry. It is shielded both with a magnetic and an electrostatic screen. The transformer's plate is also secured for transportation.

For optimum thermal performances, the output stage diode bridges are mounted on the front panel inside the chassis and are of hyper-fast soft-recovery type.

Analog stages

All analog stages inside the M1.1 are built only with discrete components, no operational amplifier has been used into these sections. This deliberate choice warranties the shortest audio signal path and allows the use of custom-made building blocks.

No capacitors have been used in the signal path, nor any output relay to ensure maximum transparency.

Gain

A gain range of 24dB - in 0.5dB steps - is embedded in each channel, for a perfect match with the loudspeakers' sensitivity and room size. A lower gain is typically preferred for high-sensitivity speakers into a small room while a bigger gain is sometimes needed for large room with low-sensitivity loudspeakers.

This gain adjustment can also be useful with multi-amplified loudspeakers to adjust the level of the various drivers independently.

Output stage feedback

Unlike all other CH Precision's analog stages, the M1.1's output stage can be configured to have some global feedback. The global versus local feedback ratio is adjustable on-the-fly from the front panel user interface, only a few relays are switched during this operation. Ranging from 0% - local feedback only - to 100% - global feedback only, in 10% steps.

Independent feedback ratios can be set in bi-amplification modes.

Output stage bias

In order to keep the output stage distortion constant over time, the output stage's bias must be kept as constant as possible. The bias is highly dependent on the output stage internal temperature - the transistor die - which can be known thanks to ThermalTrak devices from OnSemiconductor.

A very special circuit was built around the output stage which is taking into account both the temperatures of the heatsink and the transistors' dies. It allows the amplifier's output stage to keep its bias constant independently of the musical program and the room temperature.

In term of performances, the M1.1 class-AB design is outperforming a pure class-A design with usual bias compensation. This schematic is patent-pending.

Protections

Each channel's output signal is permanently monitored - both in voltage and current - processed by a DSP, which computes in real-time the effective channel's output power.

If an abnormal situation arises, the amplifier is immediately turned off to protect the connected loudspeakers. No output relay have been used into this amplifier, its symmetrical structure allows a smooth turn-on and turn-off of the power supply without noticeable noise.

Options boards

CONTROL

Ethernet control board

General control board. Provides USB based firmware update and external ethernet control.

Factory built-in

ANALOG_BUF

Monaural analog input buffer board

Three analog inputs - XLR, RCA and BNC - are provided on a single board. A pass-through XLR male connector allows a direct connection to another amplifier like the A1.5 or another M1.1.

Can be factory ordered for Left or Right channel.

Factory built-in (1x), second board is needed for stereo operation

Analog inputs

Inputs type

Balanced (XLR), one connector per boardSingle-Ended (RCA & BNC), one connector per board